For the second straight year, and third time in the last five seasons, Pella and Sergeant Bluff-Luton will meet this afternoon in the class 3A boys state basketball tournament.  The Warriors knocked out the Little Dutch in the opening round in 2017 and 2020 in the only two previous meetings between the schools.  Today’s game is a semifinal affair, with the winner advancing to tomorrow’s state title game.

In last year’s matchup, Sergeant Bluff-Luton used their length to suffocate Pella in a 58-43 victory.  It was by far the lowest scoring game of the season for the Little Dutch as they made just 5-of-20 three pointers and shot less than 40-percent from the field.  Defense is the calling card of the Warriors again this season, as they allow less than 45 points per contest.  Assistant Pella Coach Blaine Forsythe says that it’s going to be a 32-minute battle.

“They play through their two big guys, and they present a challenge to us that we don’t see every day in the Little Hawkeye Conference with their length.  We need to be patient offensively and be solid on the defensive end, making sure they get to their secondary options and are trying to make contested mid-range jumpers.”

Opening tip is scheduled for 4:00 this afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena.  Join Trevor Castle and Phil Hemming for the play-by-play on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame at 3:30.  The winner will play either Ballard or Davenport Assumption in the state championship game tomorrow night.